By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, September 8, 2023
NEW YORK—Novak Djokovic dialed up post-match mockery immediately.
Moments after dismissing Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(4) to achieve his record-tying tenth US Open closing, Djokovic emphatically hung up on Shelton mimicking the 20-year-old American’s trademark celebration of hanging up a telephone on opponents.
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The sarcastic Djokovic gesture instantly went viral although Shelton himself stated he did not see it till after he was off court docket.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion stated it was a tribute celebration.
“And I simply love Ben’s celebration,” Djokovic stated. “I assumed it was very authentic, and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”
Shelton smiled off Djokovic’s jab in his post-match presser saying “imitation is the sincerest type of flattery.”
“I did not see it till after the match,” Shelton stated. “You understand, I do not like after I’m on social media and I see folks telling me how I can have a good time or cannot have a good time. You understand, I feel in the event you win the match, you should do no matter you need.
“You understand, as a child rising up, I at all times discovered that imitation is the sincerest type of flattery, in order that’s all I’ve to say about that.”
us after they name about our automobile’s prolonged guarantee.
pic.twitter.com/M39UlKWfxu— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2023
Novak Djokovic hangs up the telephone on Ben. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/AvMD9kPY2N
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2023
Contesting simply the fifth Grand Slam match of his life, Shelton held a set level at 5-4 within the third set, however couldn’t shut. Shelton stated he appears ahead to a rematch with the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
“I discovered that he is a man who can compete on the highest stage, has, you recognize, an analogous mentality to me on the court docket with how he desires to come back after you and be aggressive and present his emotion,” Shelton stated. “I feel it was actually cool to see that matchup for the primary time. Wanting ahead to hopefully getting it once more.”
Photograph credit score: Mike Stobe/Getty
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